love mine. i use it in the holster connected to the shoulder strap of a pack. rests flat on my shoulder when i am walking. havent tried shootin that way yet. my instuctions saw to use it horizontal only,not vertical. the flame needs to contact the plate under the pad. when its vertical the top of it gets pretty hot.

the "scent pad" is a flower extract that the bugs don't like when it is smoldering. I think you shouldn't try breathing it in, or using inside a blind, but an occassional whiff shouldn't be a big deal. Likely better than deet, a known carcinogen

I use it while still hunting. It is supposed to remain horizontal. I just taped on a rawhide sling. I hang it around the back so as to breathe in the fumes as little as possible. Works great. Jawge

Which is more likely to cause a problem...a occaisional whiff from the thermacell or west nile....encephalitis.....lyme disease...etc...?

I'm with Beastmaster and Stobber and and Jawge and others.  Any risk far outweighed by the benefits.  I'll often attach it to the top of my daypack when tiptoeing in during early season hunts.  I even use it when putting stands up or trimming.  As essential as your binoculars.

anyone try the earth scent pads??